About Mark

Mark Claireaux M.S.T.A.T.

Growing up gay and having to keep that secret in the 70’s and 80’s was quite traumatic to say the least and was in part the reason for the deterioration of my posture and the resulting back and neck problems. LGBT people are not unique however in the way they may sometimes feel ‘I am not good enough’ either at work or in a relationship etc. We can be our worse enemy and although we think others are judging us, that judgement often comes from within us. I teach strategies to help with this.

I have over 14 years experience and have completed a full time three year course. I am a full member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (S.T.A.T.) and I teach from a dedicated light and airy studio in Spring Street, Central Brighton.

In lessons we teach people to ‘unlearn’ bad habits that might be doing them harm. I never ask my clients to sit up straight or stand straight and sometimes it might be appropriate to even go into a ‘so called’ slouch when on a sofa for example or if we are feeling depressed about something, after all the spine is flexible and it works that way too. We use simple activities such as sitting, standing, walking and lying down but also explore other movement patterns too. It is a real exploration of mindful movement. People usually use an enormous amount of effort just in the activity of going in and out of a chair. If we can improve on this and use much less tension and effort we can then apply it to most other aspects of life, from driving a car, playing sports, musical instruments, our work to yoga and other such activities. You will learn to move in a way that doesn’t hurt.

You need to make very little physical effort in lessons so being old, pregnant or unfit doesn’t matter. Over time classes will make you more aware of your self, so you’ll catch yourself when your shoulders are hunched up to your ears and learn how to lengthen out of your back instead. Always with your consent I may place my hands on you to guide and re-educate your musculature.

There is nothing physically aggressive about the work. We don’t impose anything on your body, if in pain you are probably doing that already. On the contrary, it is a process of allowing the pupil to release tension and interfering habits, at a pace that suits the individual. Comfortable clothes that you are happy to lie down in are advised. You will never be asked to remove your clothing. Your classes are completely tailored to you. Please feel free to ask any questions on my contact form or use my easy to use booking system.

Are we pulling our head into our shoulders and holding onto our arms, belly and legs ? The effect of this is actually the opposite to what we might want. This tightening in the muscles restricts blood flow to the tissues. - This is an obvious tip I know but invest in a scarf and wrap up warm!!...